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Home United's Faris Ramli eager to combine with Nizam, Ilso in S.League

Star recruit Faris Ramli is eager to link up with Home United's new strike pairing Khairul Nizam and Ken Ilso.

The Singapore winger, who grabbed the headlines this year with 11 goals and five assists for Fandi Ahmad's side, was announced as the latest signing by the domestic giants, along with his LionsXII teammates Zulfahmi Arifin and Khairul Nizam.

"Home United attracted me with their style of play this season," Faris told ESPN FC. "I believe the club's style suits my game and I also like the vision of the club.

"If Home United continue our playing style with the players we have, and if the new signings can gel with the rest, winning the league and cup trophies is possible. 2016 promises to be an exciting year for Singapore football in the S.League, so anything can happen!"

Philippe Aw's Protectors were lauded for their dynamic displays this season despite finishing in sixth place, with one particular player leading the way from the front.

Former German Bundesliga striker Ken Ilso was the club's top scorer with 13 goals and ten assists, and will form a new strike partnership alongside Singapore international Nizam.

Faris, who can play as a second striker but is most effective as a winger, is thrilled with the prospects of the two forwards in front of him, and is ready to be provide the ammunition for them to score the goals.

"Ilso is one of the players who has impressed me most this year as he is very good in the air. He also has excellent close control and height for a striker. I would really love to see what he has got up his sleeve next season, and playing alongside him and Nizam will be fantastic," said the 23-year-old.

With interests from Malaysian Super League clubs PDRM and Selangor, Faris was adamant that the choice to play in the S.League was a right one, although he declined to set a numerical target for himself, preferring to let his feet do the talking when the season kicks off.

He added: "My personal targets have always been to improve my performances every year. I feel I have more to improve and more to give Singapore football.

"Just expressing myself on the pitch more will be good for next year and I am hoping that I can gel with the team as soon as possible so as to make significant contributions to Home United next season."

In what is fast becoming one of the most eagerly anticipated S.League seasons in recent history, the flying winger is hoping that a successful league will provide the Singapore national team with the perfect platform for the AFF Suzuki Cup, that is due to take place at the end of 2016.

"It is very important for the S.League to be successful. Now is the time for all players across the league to step up their game and show what they have got, including myself. I believe there will be a number of new faces getting into the national team if they can showcase their abilities throughout the season." said Faris

"I assure you that Singapore football is headed for exciting times in 2016 and I urge all the fans to come down and support your favourite S.League teams in each and every game!"

With Faris, Nizam and Ilso providing the attacking impetus in Aw's side, centre-back Abdil Qaiyyim will be the main man in defence for the Protectors, having agreed to sign a one-year extension after his best season this year.